POLICE have released an image of a man they are trying to trace after two women were defrauded in Malton and Norton.

The image above, released on Monday, is of an unknown man who police believe is responsible for two frauds that took place between 7.30am and 9am on June 13, 2018 in separate locations in Ryedale.

Police say that the first incident took place at a property on Commercial Street, Norton and the second at a property on Saville Street, Malton.

The man approached two separate women and said that he was locked out of his house and car and needed money to catch a train to meet his girlfriend so that he could get a spare set of keys.

He then told the victims that he lives nearby and that he would return later the same day with the money.

Police said: "It appears that the suspect has used social media to obtain personal details about the victims as he has mentioned one victim’s husband by name, even though the husband does not know the suspect.

"The suspect was very convincing and it is obvious by his actions and body language that he is a competent fraudster."

He obtained £40 from one victim and then £60 from the second.

Police described him as white, around 40–50 years old, with a large build. He is around 5ft 10in tall and has short brown hair. He was wearing a blue polo shirt, blue jeans and was carrying a black jacket.

The man also was described as having a southern accent and police say they believe he is a travelling criminal and "it is highly likely that he will have committed similar offences" in other force areas.

As part of their witness appeal, police are particularly interested in any locations the man may have stayed on the evening of the June 12.

The image of the suspect was obtained from one of the offence locations.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Phil Hazlewood. They can also email phil.hazlewood@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote North Yorkshire Police reference number 12180106488 or 12180109047.